Study warning of nicotine residues in the apartment

Nicotine residues in the home on surfaces and in the dust are not only unaesthetic but also hazardous to health

Nicotine residues on surfaces, in clothing and on the skin can also be hazardous to health. American scientists from Berkeley, California found in a study that the nicotine can form with certain substances from the air, the dangerous nitrosamines.

The researchers from the Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory around chemist Hugo Destaillats have published their findings in the US journal „Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences“ (PNAS).
Thus, the nicotine coatings can be found in carpets, on the walls and all other surfaces and even in the dust.

What is new is that the substances last as long: after two hours, only half of the nicotine was broken down. Small remnants can sometimes last for weeks. Particularly vulnerable are infants and babies. Due to their faster breathing and lower body weight, smaller doses of nitrosamines are dangerous. In addition, their motion patterns keep them constantly in contact with the nicotine residues in dust and on surfaces. Even smoking in the fresh air does not help, because on the clothing and the skin, the remains of the smoking parents can persist. To gain further insights into the "third-hand smoke", the scientists in Berkeley now continue to investigate the durability in enclosed spaces and possibilities of visualization. Furthermore, they want the processes behind the emergence of „tobacco-specific nitrosamines „ (TSNAs).

As a recommendation, they write that smoking in closed and public places should be restricted as much as possible. In naturopathy, it is believed that the processes behind smoking need to be highlighted. Sole evidence of possible health damage is usually not sufficient as a reason to stop.

Smoking is perceived by young people as an emancipatory act and process of growing up. The social component and the sense of belonging are often strengthened by banishing smokers from closed rooms. In the short term, smoking creates a lot of people's satisfaction and can help to briefly defuse and compensate for restlessness and conflicts.

Constant hints or studies in relation to long-term health hazards are usually only inadequate instruments and not an alternative for smokers. (Thorsten Fischer, Naturopath Osteopathy, 10.02.2010)

To read more:

Study by the researchers from Berkeley
Smoking cessation without aids